The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed the dates for the final state pension payments of 2024. A total of £1,369 will be deposited into pensioners’ bank accounts across six payments this December. The maximum state pension for 2024 is £221.20 per week, which totals approximately £11,502 annually. This is the new full state pension, though the amount received can vary depending on National Insurance contributions.
The state pension in the UK is a vital financial support for retirees, and with the December payment coming up, it’s essential for pensioners to stay informed about the exact payment schedule. The DWP has outlined key dates, alongside other related benefits, ensuring recipients know when to expect their payments.
A Crucial December for Pensioners
Pensioners and those receiving state pensions should take note of six key dates this December, including the early Christmas pension payment on 1st December. This special payment, which does not affect any other benefits, is worth £10 and is available to those receiving certain benefits such as Pension Credit, Carer’s Allowance, and PIP.
- Christmas Payment: Worth £10, this tax-free bonus is issued to eligible recipients, helping pensioners cover the extra costs often associated with the holiday season.
- The Christmas bonus is traditionally paid during the first week of December, and it does not impact other benefits or tax credits.
Key Dates for December 2024:
- 1st December: DWP Christmas bonus (£10) and Winter Fuel Payments begin.
- 21st December: Last chance to apply for Pension Credit to be eligible for Winter Fuel Payments.
- 24th and 31st December: Payments will be made early if the scheduled payment date falls on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day.
Other Significant Social Payments in December
Several other key payments will be made in December to support pensioners and those in need of assistance, including the Winter Fuel Payment, Weather Payments, and the Warm Home Discount. These payments can be particularly helpful for managing the increased costs of heating during the cold months.
Major Social Benefits:
- Winter Fuel Payments: Starting from 1st December, these payments are available to anyone born on or before 22nd September 1958. To qualify, the claimant must also receive Pension Credit or other qualifying benefits.
- Eligibility: Pensioners receiving Pension Credit, Universal Credit, or Income Support.
- Amount: This is a tax-free sum to assist with heating costs during the winter.
- Weather Payments: Triggered when temperatures dip below freezing for seven consecutive days. Payments of £25 are made to eligible recipients.
- Eligibility: People receiving Pension Credit, Income Support, Jobseekers Allowance, or Universal Credit.
- Warm Home Discount Scheme: This £150 discount on electricity bills is automatically given to those on the guarantee element of Pension Credit.
- Automatic eligibility: For pensioners and low-income households who meet the criteria.
- Discount details: The discount is applied to electricity bills for eligible households during the winter period.
Regular Benefit Payments
All other regular benefit payments will be made as usual in December, unless the scheduled payment date falls on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day, in which case the payment will be made a day earlier, on 24th December or 31st December.
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I’m.on uc and haven’t received and extra cost of living our £10 bonus
I had no help with extra money
Vulnerable Pensioners, l cannot get pension credits as l am 17p over the limit as are thousands of other that live on state pensions only what gives this Government the right to say would is vulnerable and who is not as they don’t know what we all get.
It is disgusting the way pensioners are being treated we can’t live on the pension paying rent electric bills and gas no money for food totally disgusting
The fact of the matter is the powers that be are intent on getting rid of pensioners; first you can’t see a doctor unless your computer savey ; then next we are to freeze to death and if all that doesn’t work they will think of something else.
Susan Lesley Forshaw: I could not agree with you more. In just 47 words you have correctly summed up not only the thoughts of Labour and indeed the last government of Conservatives.
It amazes me that MPs of all parties are allowed help with their fuel payments on top of their basic pay of £91,000 per year (£30,000 more if they are a member of the Cabinet, thus totalling £121,000 per annum)!
How on earth do they sleep at nights!